Rep. Shields Hears from Community on Health Care

Portland, ORE - March 24, 2006

Over 60 people came together at State Rep. Chip Shields’ health care forum last Wednesday night, March 22. The meeting at Irvington Village in Northeast Portland was the third this year hosted by State Rep. Chip Shields, a Democrat representing District 43.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Shields shared, "as someone who has been both an employer and employee over the last eight years, I see keenly what I think you see. We have a health care crisis, especially in North and Northeast Portland.”

Shields was joined by State Rep. Mitch Greenlick, chief petitioner of HOPE for Oregon families and his wife Shelda Holmes, a Public Health Family Nurse Practitioner.

Shelda Holmes (RN, FNP, MSN) shared a need for access to preventive health care, reducing costs through preventing emergency room visits. Solutions were discussed, from fully funding the Oregon Health Plan to universal health care coverage.

Rep. Greenlick shared his support for decreasing the number of uninsured Oregonians. His initiative, HOPE for Oregon Families, will put in the Oregon constitution a right to health care for all Oregonians. He sees this initiative as a way for the public to apply pressure on the state legislature to find a solution. Constituents shared their frustrations, including those with health insurance who still struggle to pay hospital bills.

This was one in a series of Community Forums Rep. Shields held over the last two months on issues critical to residents of House District 43.

The next and final forum will be held on April 5th, when the topic will be schools (6:30-8 pm, Irvington Elementary School gym, 1320 NE Brazee). For more information call 503- 231- 2564.